By Amanda Lawford MA, ERYT-500 As yoga teachers, we are always trying to create a calm, nourishing space for our students. And one big question we often face is: Should I use music during my classes? Some teachers love using soft soundtracks to support the flow of practice. Others prefer silence, letting the breath and body speak for themselves. But here’s something that might surprise you... A recent study from Kyoto University shows that sound doesn’t just influence our mo

By Amanda Lawford M.A, ERYT-500 As yoga teachers, we dedicate so much of our time and energy to guiding others in their practice. We hold space for our students, create thoughtful sequences, and pour our hearts into teaching. But with busy teaching schedules and any free time taken up with planning classes, it’s easy to let our own practice slip away. Yet, maintaining a personal yoga, meditation, and breathwork practice isn’t just beneficial, it’s essential. When we show up f

By Amanda Lawford M.A, ERYT-500 The world may feel overwhelming at times, filled with uncertainty and constant change. As yoga practitioners, we are reminded of a vital truth, we can’t control the world outside of us, but we can control how we respond to it. Yoga teaches us to come back to the present moment, to ground ourselves in what is real right now, and to recognize that even when the external world feels chaotic, there is an inner sanctuary we can cultivate. The Yogic

When I was first diagnosed with blood cancer, my body and mind felt fragile. I felt ungrounded, like I was spinning out of control. It was on my mat that I found a soft place to land. I leaned into restorative yoga, gentle breathwork, and meditation, letting these practices wrap around me and move through me. Slowly, with each breath and each moment of stillness, I began to feel safe in my body again. I leaned into the quiet strength that yoga offers, a strength that isn’t lo

By Amanda Lawford M.A, ERYT-500 Dear friends, Around the world, countless communities are facing hardships, wildfires in some places, floods in others, and the struggles of families coping with financial uncertainty, and upheaval. In times of crisis, we are reminded of how deeply interconnected we are. Whether we are close enough to offer a helping hand or watching from afar, our shared humanity ties us together in a way that transcends distance. Helping Where We Can For thos